By Business Insider Correspondent
President Samia Suluhu Hassan today inaugurated the new John Pombe Magufuli Bridge – connecting Kigongo and Busisi surburbs –spanning 3.2 km across the Gulf of Mwanza on Lake Victoria.
The feat marks a milestone in Tanzanian infrastructure and economic strategy as the facility becomes the first longest bridge in East Africa.
From ferry delays to seamless transit
Previously, crossing between Kigongo and Busisi relied on ferry services that could sometimes take hours, handling around 1,600 vehicles and 2,000 passengers daily.
The new steel-and-concrete structure slashes this time to just four minutes, offering a safer and more efficient alternative.
Fully funded by the government at TSh 716 billion, it is the longest bridge in East and Central Africa and the sixth longest across the continent.
Economic and regional integration boost
Transport Minister, Abdallah Ulega, described the bridge as a flagship infrastructure achievement and a critical link on the T4 Trunk Road, connecting key economic centres in the Lake Zone such as Mwanza, Sengerema, Geita and neighbouring countries of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Eastern DRC.
He predicted a 25–30% cut in transport costs, significantly enhancing trade flows – particularly in mining, fishing, and agriculture.
The bridge is expected to increase trade volumes by over 40% in five years, according to the World Bank.
Tourism transformation
Improved access to Lake Victoria’s coastal and island attractions – such as Rubondo and Saanane Islands, Ukerewe Island and photo-favourite Bismarck Rock – is expected to draw tourists to the region.
With ferry constraints lifted, travel agents can now offer dynamic multi-destination packages, tapping into Tanzania’s growing adventure tourism market.
Empowering local capacity
The project, built by Chinese contractors CCECC and CR15B, also showcased Tanzanian talent: over 700 locals employed and the emergence of national engineers, who the Minister credited as evidence of rising domestic capacity.
This legacy supports future infrastructure efforts across the country.
Launch pad for future growth
The bridge brings regional connectivity as it links Tanzania with neighbouring countries via the T4 corridor, enhancing Tanzania’s trade and tourism regional hub status .
Though some small traders have lamented about the bridge cutting their businesses, but experts predict that the bridge is expected to create over 5,000 new jobs in services, retail and transport around Kigongo–Busisi zones.
On touism front, with visitor projections in the Lake Zone predicted to rise by 20% post-opening, the bridge sets the stage for sustainable growth.
The inauguration of the Magufuli Bridge is more than a symbolic ribbon-cutting – it is a transformational leap for Tanzania’s Lake Zone.
Strategically funded and executed, it addresses long-standing infrastructure bottlenecks, boosts trade and tourism, and reinforces Tanzania’s position as a growing regional power.
As President Samia stated, the bridge exemplifies Tanzania’s capacity to mobilise local resources, deliver on major infrastructure promises, and unite nations through connectivity.
In the Lake Zone and beyond, the future looks bridged to prosperity.
JP Magufuli Bridge facts:
Inauguration Date: 19 June 2025
Bridge Length: 3.2 km, steel and concrete
Construction Cost: TSh 716 billion (100% government-funded) Projected Benefits: 25–30% lower transport costs; 40% increase in regional trade; 20% tourism growth; 5,000+ new jobs.
